Message to the Trinity Community from the Board of Education

The Board of Education sent the following message to the Trinity Elementary School community today:

Dear Trinity community,

We are writing to share an update regarding the principalship at Trinity Elementary School.

We have received your many emails and messages about the selection process to fill the Principal position at Trinity Elementary School. While we don’t normally say anything about personnel decisions – and while there are serious constraints on what we can say under any circumstances – the comments and concerns that have been raised have been heartfelt, and deserve a serious response. We have advised the Superintendent that we will not be ready to vote on his recommendation until we are assured your concerns were given due consideration in the selection process.

We recognize there has been an outpouring of support for Michael Hilderbrand. He deserves it. As you know, he was the engaged, deeply committed, and very popular House IV Principal at New Rochelle High School before coming to Trinity; and in the period of several months he has endeared himself to students, parents and faculty at Trinity School. In multiple ways he has modeled the best leadership practices and behaviors we hope to see in our administrators.

The Board of Education appoints building principals upon the recommendation of the Superintendent. This is not unique to New Rochelle; it is a requirement of New York State Education Law. The candidate who has been recommended for the position has deep experience both with curriculum and as an elementary school principal. If that person is finally approved by the Board of Education, it will be because the recommendation was based on a rigorous process, not because we do not share in your affection for Mr. Hildebrand.

Please allow us to work through this process, and be assured we do not take our role in this decision lightly.

Board of Education of the City School District of New Rochelle

City School District of New Rochelle

Letter from Dr. Osborne on 2018-2019 Budget

The following letter was emailed to the community from Superintendent Dr. Brian Osborne yesterday, on the eve of today's (May 15) vote on the budget:

New Rochelle community,

The proposed $272.8 million 2018-19 school budget that voters in New Rochelle will decide on tomorrow (May 15) has become a topic of spirited debate on social media and elsewhere, resulting in much confusing information circulating in the community.

There is an FAQ on the district website that presents the facts on several topics about the budget that are of interest to residents in the City School District of New Rochelle. Below are a few of these Q and A. Please review these items, and to learn more about the plan, find a wealth of information, including a comprehensive Q&A, by visiting http://www.nred.org/

What is the tax impact of the budget?

The proposed tax levy increase is 3.89%. Based on the tax assessor’s estimates, the tax rate would increase an estimated 4.14 percent. That would result in an increase in the annual tax bill of $507.68 for a home with a market value of about $695,000, the city median (based on the average home assessment in the city of $16,000.) The new tax rate would be $798.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. That’s an increase of $31.73 per $1,000 over the current rate of $766.77 per $1,000. The tax bill for a home assessed at the city average would be $12,776, up from $12,268.32 this year. Owners of less expensive homes would see smaller increases and lower bills; more expensive homes would generate larger increases in the annual tax bill.

What will happen to STAR Exemptions?

The STAR tax exemptions will not be affected by the budget. If the budget is adopted with a tax levy increase higher than the cap, taxpayers who receive Basic STAR will lose, for one year, an additional benefit, the property tax relief credit. The credit is calculated as a portion of a taxpayer’s Basic STAR savings and is offered in addition to those STAR benefits.

What happens if the budget fails?

If the budget is not passed by voters, the Board of Education has the option to adopt a second plan to be put to voters on June 19. To stay within the District’s tax cap of a 2.231 percent increase in the tax levy, $3.4 million would need to be cut from the currently proposed budget.

What’s a contingency budget?

If voters defeat an adopted budget on the second try, the District must adopt a contingency budget. For that, the amount of money to be raised by taxes must be no higher than that of the current budget – $204.4 million. To reach that level, the District would have to cut nearly $8 million from the current plan.

Also, the District would be limited to funding only those costs deemed absolutely necessary to operate and maintain schools.

Measures that would be considered include:

Stopping the transfer of more than $2.4 million to capital funds – money earmarked for security improvements and to update and improve school cafeterias.

Elimination of any transportation not mandated for the operation of the schools.

Barring use of buildings or fields by any outside group unless the entire cost was covered by the group.

Shouldn’t we use additional fund balance or reserves to lower this year’s tax levy?

A detailed explanation of the purpose and usage of reserve funds is found in the district’s draft reserve plan. To briefly summarize:

The budget does propose using $1.4 million of the District’s fund balance of $10.9 million.

Fund balances and reserves are important for a district’s fiscal solvency. Appropriate balances and reserves enable a district to secure a favorable credit rating, withstand economic downturn, and protect against known liabilities. The use of fund balances should be limited to protracted economic recessions. During the next economic downturn, the District will need the fund balance to stabilize educational programs and taxes.

While the District is financially stronger than just a few years ago, it faces the same daunting challenges as other school districts across the state. Generally, school districts are facing rising fixed costs that are outpacing slower revenue growth, namely state aid revenue. As a result, many school districts are in the unfortunate position of spending down their fund balances. This is a slippery slope. A low fund balance puts pressure on the quality of a school district’s credit ratings, making borrowing for capital expenses more expensive. By improving our credit rating, we have already saved taxpayers $500,000 in borrowing costs.

Using additional fund balance or reserves in the 2018-2019 budget would merely push the budget gap created by the tax cap to the next fiscal year. At that time, the District would need to address how to fund those continuing programs and operations without the appropriate resources. Utilization of reserves and fund balance requires a long-term view to maintain proper tax stabilization. It is very important when using reserves or any fund balance to keep in mind that using these funds for ongoing operations creates a long-term need to fund continuing programs and operations.

Michael Borges, Executive Director of the New York State Association of School Business Officials, as quoted in The Journal News, says; “This year you’re seeing a smattering of budgets where you are having program cuts and layoffs, which is due to school districts drawing on their reserves and a low state aid increase. This may be the tip of the iceberg this year.”

Factors causing districts to attempt tax cap overrides include a 2018-2019 state budget providing one of the lowest year-over-year increases in Foundation Aid for schools, and districts enrolling more students with disabilities, those whose native language isn’t English and economically disadvantaged students, Borges told the news organization.

Why not use the $3.5 million noted as anticipated Tax Certiorari (tax cert) payments in the 2018-19 Budget Statement to reduce this year’s tax levy?

The reserve fund for anticipated tax certiorari (tax cert) payments is not intended for use to lower the tax levy. The anticipated payment of $3.5 million is an estimate determined in conjunction with the City of New Rochelle tax assessor projecting tax claims that may be settled during the 2018-2019 school year. Typically, a tax cert case combines claims made for each of several years. The prior years’ funds are locked in the reserves and are not available to be applied to the 2018-2019 budget to reduce taxes. In fact, the use of tax certiorari reserve funds is governed by Education Law Sec. 3651(1-a) and is set up to be used for a specific purpose. It may not be used to finance ongoing operations

The Tax Cert Reserve is funded each year from operating surplus, when possible. (In 2014-15, for instance, no such fund existed, forcing the District to borrow money for the prior year’s tax cert payments.) Based on past settlement rates and consultation with the City’s tax assessor, an appropriate reserve amount is calculated to be $0.30 for every $1.00 of existing claims. Funds must be used within four years of being placed in reserve, unless there are claims that are still unsettled.

Each year a separate sub-account of the reserve fund is created that can only be drawn upon for claims filed during that year. A tax cert claim must be filed in the year that the property in question is believed to be over-assessed. A claim cannot be filed for a previous year.

The settlement year is a future date, but the money will be paid from the reserve claim year to cover the outflow of cash. If the account for that claim year has already been used and no balance remains, the payment for the tax settlement will need come from the current year’s budget. This will require a budgetary transfer and a reduction of funds available for the current year’s program and operations.

Could the budget process be more transparent?

The proposed budget, with extensive supplemental information, is available on the District website, www.nred.org. Many costs are broken down by school, including instructional salaries, textbooks, computer equipment and supplies and materials such as copy paper, crayons and glassware for science laboratories. Staffing levels and projections are also posted on the site. Some costs, such as special education programs or computer software, are budgeted as a district expense rather than a school expense because they support districtwide programs.

The budget process is far more transparent than in the past. This is evident from various items, including:

1) Vigorous zero-based budget process resulting in a zero-based budget document that is available to the public.

2) Multiple community meetings open to the public and live-streamed for those who could not attend.

3) Lengthy public budget presentations prepared by the administrators and staff members who actually prepared the various sections of the budget (i.e. assistant superintendents, directors, principals, etc.).

Thank you for your interest in making an informed decision, and please remember to vote tomorrow, May 15, between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Sincerely,

Brian G. Osborne

Superintendent

City School District of New Rochelle

City School District of New Rochelle

Districtwide Re-Registration Begins in June

The City School District of New Rochelle will conduct re-registration program of all students currently enrolled in the district from June through August.

Due to capital improvement projects occurring at individual schools, the re-registration will take place in the district offices on the second floor of City Hall, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801.

This reregistration process will provide parents and guardians with the opportunity to update all information for accuracy and ensure all children presently enrolled in the school district are legal residents of New Rochelle and entitled to a public education.

This is a mandatory re-registration for all students. Students not re-registered over the summer will not be permitted to attend school in September until re-registration is completed. Incoming pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten families who have already registered this spring do not need to re-register.

For directions on the process of re-registration, proof requirements and a schedule of when to re-register, please visit the district website. Versions available in English and Spanish.

City School District of New Rochelle

"Coach Cap" to be Inducted into Hall of Fame

Andy Capellan, the coach of the New Rochelle High School girls cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field teams, will be inducted into the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's Hall of Fame this summer. Capellan and five other inductees - another coach, an administrator and three athletes - will be enshrined in the Hall at the association's annual summer meeting on July 25 in Lake Placid.

Coach Andy Capellan

As word spread of the honor, Capellan, known as Coach Cap, was congratulated warmly by friends at NRHS, including Principal Reginald Richardson.

"There are literally generations of women who can attribute their success to Coach Cap," Richardson said.

Capellan said his approach is inclusive. He does not cut any athlete who makes the commitment, and pushes them to be their best.

"I find a place for everybody," he said. "I make them do things they don't think they can."

His guidance applies off the track and field as well, encouraging students to excel in all aspects of life. It's an approach appreciated by his colleagues as well as by his students.

"He always pushes us to do our best in everything we do, not just sports," said NRHS junior Jhenne Joseph, who runs in the 400- and 800-meter events.

"Andy embodies the term 'teacher-coach'," NRHS Director of Athletics Steve Young wrote to NYSPHSAA in nominating Capellan. "He does not view his success just in terms of wins and losses, but rather on the success of his girls, both on and off the track. He has been influential in many of the lives of his athletes. He guides them on their academics, counsels them on the college application and recruiting process, and will communicate any problems or concerns with an athlete's parents or guardians."

In the 38 years he has coached at NRHS, the Girls Indoor Track Team "has collected 28 league titles, 24 Westchester County titles and 20 Section One Class A titles, including 17 'triple crowns', in which the team won the league, county and section championships in the same season," Young wrote to the association. "The success of the outdoor team is as impressive."

The outdoor team's achievements include 26 league titles, 24 Westchester County titles, 19 Section One Class A championships and 16 'triple crowns.' Capellan's outdoor teams have won consecutive league titles from 1996 through 2017 (there was no league champion in 2011), and county championships consecutively from 1997 through 2010, and again from 2013-2017. In total, he has led these teams to a combined 54 league, 48 county and 39 Section One championships. He has also coached 43 individual state champions in 49 events as well as 9 relay teams.

His many accolades include being inducted into the New Rochelle Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 and the New Balance Track and Field Center Hall of Fame in 2016. He has multiple Coach of the Year awards and in 2009, received the Outstanding Leadership Award in Coaching by the Hispanic Institute.

He was also among several community members and NRHS alumni honored April 19 at the 20th annual gala of the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence.

The 2018 NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame Class will be inducted on Wednesday, July 25 at 6 p.m. at High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid, N.Y. Tickets for the Hall of Fame banquet may be purchased by calling Sandy Schanck at the NYSPHSAA Office, 518-690-0771, or by emailing sschanck@nysphsaa.org. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, July 18.

City School District of New Rochelle

Students Face Off in Spanish Spelling Bee

Josué Aguilar and Carlos Del Aguila, seventh-grade master spellers in Spanish, remained on stage as the pool of contestants - 30 dual language students from Jefferson and Trinity elementary schools - dwindled to nine, then six, then three. Finally, it was a one-on-one match.

In a Spanish spelling bee - Certamen de Deletreo - Monday on the Jefferson auditorium stage, the contestants took on words that grew tougher each round. Danza, vientre and imagen gave way to cualquier, salvaje and síntomas.

The students were taking part in a new tradition. Jefferson has held a Spanish-language spelling contest for the past couple of years. But this was the first time the school teamed up with another. Principal Kimmerly Nieves plans to continue the combined contest in coming years.

"It was beautiful," Nieves said. "It shows an appreciation of the Spanish language."

The program serves the dual language program's goal of fostering fluency and literacy in both English and Spanish."Achieving proficiency in more than one language is an invaluable skill for students to develop in today's world," said Tiara Reyes-Vega, Director of Instructional Support, who oversees bilingual programs. "The Certamen de Deletreo is a great way to inspire students to work toward that goal."

"It's important that our children are literate in their native language as well as in English," said Trinity Interim Principal Ken Levy. "We never want our children to lose the ties to their homeland or their heritage. This is a fun way to motivate the children."

In the end, Del Aguila pulled ahead, finishing with the word descubrimiento. It was a second first-place finish for the champion; he won a spelling contest held with only Jefferson students in February.

His parents are raising him bilingually - his mother speaks to him in English, his father in Spanish. Before school, he watches the news in Spanish.

He has a way of dealing with the on-stage jitters. "I just look at my dad and I look at my teacher and everyone and then I feel less nervous," he said.

Aguilar's second-place finish was a testament to hard work.

“Last time, in Jefferson alone, I came in fourth place, so that made me study a lot more,” he said.

City School District of New Rochelle

Watch April 14 Task Force Meeting Here

The Task Force on Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth help a public meeting in New Rochelle City Hall on April 14. You can view the meeting here.

City School District of New Rochelle

Task Force Meeting: New Location

New Rochelle Task Force Public Meeting Set for April 14

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (April 11, 2018) – New Rochelle community members will be able to address the Task Force on Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth in a public meeting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 14. The meeting will be held in the New Rochelle City Council Chambers on the first floor of New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Ave.

Enter the building through the main entrance adjacent to the City Hall Parking Lot.

Community members can sign up in advance to speak at the meeting by emailing nrtaskforcechair@gmail.com. Attendees will also be able to sign up at the meeting. Those signing up to speak are asked to indicate whether they are students in the schools.

Speakers will be placed on a list in the order in which their request is received. However, students will be given priority in speaking during the first hour of the public session. Speakers are asked to bring their solution-oriented ideas and recommendations and present them concisely to allow others to have time to present their views.

“Input from the public is crucial to our mission,” said Dr. Jonathan Brice, chair of the Task Force. “Suggestions, thoughts and ideas from the public will expand our perspective of the New Rochelle community and will inform the recommendations on how we can build community-wide supports for youth and students.”

In early March, the New Rochelle Board of Education established the 46-member Task Force to recommend measures to ensure the schools and community are safe, nurturing places for the children, teenagers and young adults in the city. Since then, the members have met several times and have visited schools. Members have been assigned to four working groups on the Task Force: district policies and practices, New Rochelle High School policies and practices, City of New Rochelle policies and practices, and community-based resources.

Latest Update from Dr. Jonathan Brice, Chair of the Task Force on Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth

Good Day,

This was a productive week for the Task Force on Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth as several members visited three schools - New Rochelle High School and both middle schools, Albert Leonard and Isaac E. Young.

The Task Force also convened for its third meeting on Monday evening, when a panel discussion focused on disciplinary procedures and the issues surrounding the policy of a closed campus during lunch periods. The panel was comprised of a school administrator, a high school teacher and two high school students, all Task Force members. The discussion was insightful, with members of the Task Force asking questions to better understand the practices and some of the complexity around potential recommendations that will require city, school district and community resources to implement.

The next regular meeting of the Task Force will conclude discussion of NRHS practices and turn the focus on City of New Rochelle policies and practices.

A special Task Force meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Saturday, April 14, in the Whitney M. Young Jr. Auditorium of New Rochelle High School where the members of the community are welcome to make brief public recommendations to the Task Force.

To sign up in advance to speak at the meeting, email nrtaskforcechair@gmail.com. Please indicate whether you are a student in New Rochelle public schools. Attendees will also be able to sign up at the meeting.

Speakers will be placed on a list in the order in which they sign up. However, students will be given priority to speak during the first hour.

Message from the Principal

April 17, 2018

As we enter Spring, it is a good time to re-evaluate and take inventory. At IEYMS, we have had a terrific year so far, and we are now into testing season. June will soon be here, and I would ask everyone to review your child’s grades and speak to the school counselor if there are any question pertaining to progress. We will be posting our “End of Year” schedule, which will include Final Exams soon.

For our 8th grade families, please refer to the correspondence regarding graduation requirements and possible failing grades. There is a link on this website. There will be a number of social events coming up for our 8th graders, and I ask you to review the eligibility criteria in advance.

Please correspond with your child’s school counselor if you have any questions. Please do not hesitate to call me if you wish. I wish you the best in health and good spirit.

Please use these contacts anytime or any day. I want us to "stay connected".

School Announcements

IEY wins Award of Excellence from Sandy Hook Promise

IEY was recognized for its participation in Start With Hello Week. Congrats to all!

Isaac E. Young Middle School

Mr. Moye honored at IEYMS

On March 26th, students and staff gathered in the Isaac Young Middle School lobby for the unveiling of a special plaque. The plaque was dedicated to Mr. Willaim Moye. Mr. Moye was a proud graduate of Isaac Young's first graduating class! He was also veteran of World War II and a living legend in new Rochelle. His good friend Barbara Davis from the New Rochelle Public Library was on hand to say some lovely words about Mr. Moye. March 26th would have been Mr. Moye's 103 birthday!

Isaac E. Young Middle School

Isaac E. Young parents interested in taking English classes

Isaac E. Young parents interested in taking English classes on Tuesday nights: The Spring session of the IEY Parent ESL Program will be starting on Tuesday, March 6. There will be two levels offered: Beginner ESL and Intermediate ESL. Both levels are offered at 5:00 and at 6:45. Classes are one hour and thirty minutes long.

IEY Yearbooks on Sale now

Yearbooks are on sale now. You will be guaranteed to get a 2018 IEY yearbook if you pre-order it by Friday, February 16. The yearbook cost 30 dollars and you can personalize it for an additional cost. Please bring your money to Mrs. Griffo.

Isaac E. Young Middle School

Start with Hello Week

Isaac E. Young Middle School

Start With Hello Week, February 5th - 9th

START WITH HELLO WEEK AT IEYMS

February 5th - 9th

MONDAY- Start With Hello Advisory

Say “HEY” Day- Students will wear name tags that were made during advisory. The goal is to say hello to five new people.

TUESDAY- Make Someone Smile Day- Students will be handing out Smiley Face stickers. In addition, some students will come into a decorated locker, a handwritten note on a locker or a surprise in homerooms. These will all be done randomly.

Welcome to the Castle Student Social

Students who are new to IEY in the past two months will be invited to a party at 2 pm.

WEDNESDAY- Positivity Challenge- Students are asked to leave positive messages on positivity walls. Students are encouraged to make a positive contribution to the school community.

THURSDAY- Mix it Up Thursday- We are asking teachers to allow students to sit next to someone that they have not sat next to yet this year.

FRIDAY- WEAR GREEN to Show your school spirit!

No One Eats Alone Day- We are asking for kids to pledge that they will make an effort to include others in lunchtime activities. We will have students in the cafeteria with conversation starters and icebreaker activities.

Memo regarding NY State ELA and Math Testing

In a couple of weeks, the New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests will be administered to students. The ELA will be given on Wednesday April 11th and Thursday April 12th, and the Math on Tuesday May 1st and Wednesday May 2nd.

Beginning this year the 2018 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Tests have been reduced from three test sessions to only two test sessions, meaning each subject will have two days of testing instead of three. With fewer test sessions, each test will have fewer questions than recent years, lessening test fatigue for students and better enabling them to demonstrate what they know and are able to do.

Additionally, like the 2016 and 2017 tests, the 2018 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Tests will continue to be untimed so students who are still working on their exams will be allowed to continue to work, within the confines of the regular school day. Students who finish may be permitted to hand in their test materials and leave the room.

Regarding teacher and principal evaluations/APPR, student performance on the 2018 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Test will have no employment-related consequences. In December 2015, the Board of Regents approved a moratorium on using students’ scores on these exams for educators’ consequential evaluation scores. This means no teachers or principals in New York State public schools will be affected by the results of the 2018 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Tests.

Test questions and instructional reports will be released before the end of the school year. Like last year, the State Education Department will be release 75% of the questions from the 2018 tests and the instructional reports on or around June 1. You can view 2017 test questions on Engage NY at https://www.engageny.org/3-8.

You can find out more information about the State Tests on the State Education Department’s Website at http://p12.nysed.gov/assessment/ei/eigen.html. Please do not hesitate to contact me or your student’s teacher with any question or concerns.

Our Visitor Entrance has Changed

Parents and Guests to IEYMS:

Between the hours of 8:20 and 3:30, please enter the building using the entrance facing Pelham Road. Parking is available on the street or in the lower lot. Our handicapped entrance did not change. Please remember that you will need picture Identification to enter IEYMS. After 3:30 pm, the Centre Avenue entrance should be used to enter the building.

Highlights

IEY Chess Program

2017 Winning Stock Market Team

Students win awards at NSCF tournament.

IEY Graduation

Our Mission

Built by the Past, Ready for the Future..."Our mission as the Isaac E. Young Middle School Community is to provide personalized learning opportunities that promote a high standard for academic success and creativity, as well as critical and independent thinking in a safe and healthy environment. Students will become responsible and respectful citizens who are lifelong learners and contributing members of their society and who meet the challenges of a diverse and changing world."